Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard and Benjamin Morrison sign NIL deal with Rhoback

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and cornerback Benjamin Morrison signed deals with Rhoback, an apparel company. The respective partnerships between Rhoback and the Irish stars were announced Thursday evening.

Leonard, a former Duke quarterback who transferred to Notre Dame in the winter, will be a “leading face” for Rhoback U. In 2023, several college football athletes signed NIL deals as a part of Rhoback U, including former Irish running back Audric Estime. The apparel company has emerged as a major supporter of the NIL Era since July 2021.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Riley Leonard as his official apparel sponsor,” Rhoback said in an email to Blue & Gold. “Riley will lead the program this fall, bringing a fresh wave of enthusiasm to collegiate sports. His tenacity and infectious personality made him an obvious choice for us, and we’re eager to showcase his strengths in our upcoming ‘Earn It’ campaign.

“Stay tuned for exciting content that highlights Riley’s incredible versatility, talent, and humor. He’ll also be unveiling our new licensed Notre Dame collection. We’re proud to be on Riley’s team as he elevates Rhoback U to new heights.”

“I am so pumped to work with Rhoback as my official apparel sponsor and become a leading face of their Rhoback U program,” Leonard added in the statement. “It’s easy to see why their presence in college athletics has grown so much and they continue to be one of the fastest-growing activewear brands in the country. Rhoback has the most comfortable gear I’ve ever worn and their media house continues to set the standard with engaging content. I’m a big fan of everything they’re doing in the Notre Dame community — from their social content to their gear. I am grateful to be a part of Team Rhoback and to help lead Rhoback U this season.” 

By using this link, Irish fans can get 15% off their first purchase with Rhoback, and Leonard will receive a portion of sales.

Full details of Leonard’s deal are not publicly released, but On3’s Pete Nakos reports that Leonard’s agreement with the activewear brand is worth up to $100,000.

Morrison, a potential first-round NFL Draft selection in 2025 who is coming off two strong seasons in South Bend, is fired up about his newest NIL deal, especially after seeing former Notre Dame players’ success with Rhoback.

“Excited is an understatement,” Morrison said in the statement. “It’s been my dream to partner with Rhoback since seeing Kyle Hamilton, Michael Mayer, and Audric Estime all work with them. It’s awesome to have Rhoback as my official activewear apparel sponsor and become a leading face of their Rhoback U program. 

“By following in their footsteps, it’s easy to see why their presence in college athletics has grown so much and have remained as one of the fastest growing activewear brands in the country. The team has made me feel like family and I can’t think of a better group to partner with. There’s so much engaging content coming, and I am pumped to be a part of Team Rhoback and help lead Rhoback U this season.” 

“We’re fired up to join forces with Benjamin Morrison as his official activewear apparel sponsor,” Rhoback said. “As one of the top defensive players in the country, Benjamin will be a central part of Rhoback U, leading the program this Fall. From the moment he caught our attention, Benjamin’s warm personality and deep love for football set him apart.

“We’re eager to finally introduce him to the Rhoback community. This will be our fourth season collaborating with a Notre Dame athlete, and we’re excited to highlight Ben’s remarkable talent as he helps propel Rhoback U to new levels. Be on the lookout for Benjamin’s strong presence in our upcoming ‘Earn It’ campaign.”

Morrison’s commission link with the opportunity for ND fans to get 15% off their first purchase with Rhoback and portion of proceeds going to Morrison can be found here.